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Diagnostic difficulties with central nervous system actinomycosis

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Abstract

When faced with expanding brain lesions of unknown origin showing a ring-shaped enhancement on post-contrast imaging, we use definite criteria to direct further investigation and distinguish among a number of possible diagnostic hypotheses. However, a correct diagnosis may be difficult in some cases, especially when dealing with less frequent conditions. This is the case of actinomycosis, a highly treatable but insidious infection for which nowadays there may be a low level of attention. Brain localization is associated with a significant morbidity and may represent a true diagnostic pitfall. Here we report the difficulties encountered with a case of central nervous system actinomycosis.

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Conflict of interest

All authors have no competing interests to declare.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neuroscience, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Tronto 10/A, Torrette di Ancona, 60020, Ancona, Italy

    Michele Bellesi, Paolo Di Bella & Leandro Provinciali

Authors
  1. Michele Bellesi
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  2. Paolo Di Bella
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  3. Leandro Provinciali
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Michele Bellesi.

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Bellesi, M., Di Bella, P. & Provinciali, L. Diagnostic difficulties with central nervous system actinomycosis. Neurol Sci 32, 945–947 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-011-0720-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-011-0720-3

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